Other structures coverage comes standard with most home insurance policies and covers structures on your property that are not attached to your house, like fences and sheds. For example, if a windstorm damages your detached garage, your other structures coverage may pay for the repairs.

Can you claim structural damage in a home?

The majority of policies do not cover any type of structural damage unless it has been covered by a specific event. In many cases, homeowners need to have specific events added to their existing homeowner’s insurance policy, or take out a separate structural insurance policy for their home.

How is structural damage covered in homeowners insurance?

Most structural damage problems are visible and you’ll instantly know when you see them. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your home against such issues and this guide will focus on the way insurance treats different structural problems/damage, when structural problems are covered, and deductibles for structural problems.

Can a home insurance policy cover foundation damage?

Homeowners insurance is your safety net in case of sudden disasters: If a windstorm damages the side of your home or a car crashes into your fence, your policy may cover you. Foundation damage can be caused by many factors, from how your home settles over time to severe drought. While some may be covered, others may not.

Can a home insurance policy cover ensuing loss?

However, once you’ve discovered the damage and taken steps to repair it and prevent further problems, your insurance policy may cover ensuing loss. For example, if cracks in the foundation let water into your home, that damage could be considered ensuing loss, but the cracks themselves would not be covered.

Do you need homeowners insurance for earthquake damage?

Most homeowners policies don’t cover floods or earthquakes. If your foundation damage is a result of either of these disasters, you’ll likely need separate flood or earthquake insurance. Homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover wear and tear.